₦airaland Forum

First, Ramadan Kareem! In this week's Saturday Tribune/Peoples Gazette column, I make a passionate case for an Igbo president in 2023 and suggest two people we should take a close look at.

Why Nigeria Needs to Elect an Igbo President in 2023
By Farooq A. Kperogi
Twitter: @farooqkperogi

You don’t promote unity by simply glibly mouthing off infuriating platitudes about unity being “non-negotiable.” You promote it through meaningful symbolic gestures to reassure estranged groups that they, too, matter.

Unity is promoted when conscious efforts are made to heal national wounds, to accommodate disadvantaged groups, and to make political concessions to restore faith in the promises of the country. The federal character principle, quota system, reservation of slots for students from educationally less developed states in federal institutions are examples of what sociologists call positive discrimination in the interest of the greater good of the society.

Nigeria also needs policies in positive discrimination in the political realm. That’s why I am a strong advocate for constitutionally enshrining power rotation at all levels of government in Nigeria in response to our peculiarities as a country that is riven by deep-seated primordial divisions practicing an American-style winner-take-all presidential democracy.

In 1998, the northern Nigerian political establishment, which dominated the national power structure, sensed the imminence of an irrecoverable national collapse as a result of the deepening sense of alienation that the Yoruba people felt on account of the unjustified invalidation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election that MKO Abiola was poised to win, which was made even worse by his death in solitary confinement for demanding the legal recognition of his electoral victory.

When constitutional rule was restored in 1999, northern politicians and statesmen came to a consensus that the only way to keep Yoruba people from breaking away from Nigeria—or from being perpetual thorns in the flesh of the body politic—was to concede the presidency to them. That was remarkably patriotic and far-sighted.

We have a similar moment now. The Igbo are almost in the same spot that the Yoruba were in in 1998. There is mass resentment among them. Several of them feel emotionally disconnected from Nigeria. And we all know why. Apart from the fact that they have never produced a president or vice president since 1999, Muhammadu Buhari has done an extremely poor job of husbanding Nigeria’s intricate diversity.

The sense of alienation that a vast swath of Igbo people feel now has made several of them, particularly their youth, susceptible to the murderous wiles of the mentally and emotionally disturbed mountebank called Nnamdi Kanu.

The cult of headless IPOB cretins Kanu has managed to build would only expand and might even transmogrify into something more sinister in the coming years if the estrangement of the Igbo persists. In fact, we can already see the steadily escalating foreboding of this in the current endemic violence in the southeast.

This is not unavoidable. It can be reversed with the election of an Igbo person as president. If we truly cherish Nigeria’s continuity as a country, we can’t afford to allow a huge section of it to feel so disaffected that it wants to break away from the union.

Power rotation is not “democratic” by the conventional conception of democracy, but there’s no universally applicable practice of democracy. That’s why the American practice of democracy is different from the British one.

American presidential election, for example, is not a one-person, one-vote democracy. That was why although Hillary Clinton won nearly three million more votes than Donald Trump in 2016, she wasn’t president. We have a right to fashion our own democracy that shows sensitivity to our particularities.

We will lose Nigeria if our democracy becomes an endless political Ping-Pong between the Northwest and the Southwest, as APC seems poised to make it.

You first need to have a country before you can dominate it politically. And you can’t have a country if a huge segment of it is forced to expend energies trying to get out of it because it doesn't feel welcome in it.

I have invested tremendous emotional and intellectual capital in Nigeria and want it to evolve and endure. My recommendation for the election of an Igbo person in 2023 comes from that emotional and intellectual investment. It’s fine to disagree with me, but I’d be interested in knowing how you intend to solve the problem of the alienation of the third leg of the Nigerian tripod.

In a 2020 book chapter, I wrote that Nigeria’s greatest misfortune has been that, in spite of its persistent, incapacitating fissiparity, it hasn’t disintegrated, but in spite of its apparent death-defying staying power, it hasn’t quite integrated, either. So, it is perpetually stuck in the twilight zone between death and life and between incipience and decay.

The originative trigger for the enduring structural and conceptional instability of Nigeria, I pointed out, is traceable to its congenital colonial birth defects. But it’s not sustainable to be in that state in perpetuity.

One of the ways to transcend it is to recognize the imperative of political inclusivity. As I’ve pointed out repeatedly, this is more about symbolism than it is about substance. Electing an Igbo person as president would probably do nothing to improve anybody's lot—except, perhaps, the family and friends of the person elected to the office of president.

Goodluck Jonathan's calamitous 5-year presidency couldn’t even bring basic infrastructure like boreholes to his hometown of Otueke in Bayelsa State, yet southern ethnic minorities derived vicarious fulfilment from the fact that he was president. Buhari’s infernal presidency hasn’t improved the lot of people even from his hometown, but they take pride in saying one of them is president.

Human beings are animated by a multiplicity of impulses, including rational and emotional impulses, both of which are legitimate. When we turn on our rational impulses, we may ask: What would electing an Igbo man as president do to Igbo people? My answer is “probably nothing.”

But we are more than rational beings: we are also emotional beings. That's why people are invested in symbolism. Electing an Igbo person as president is merely a symbolic gesture, but it inspires a sense of inclusion in the minds of many people from that region; it serves as a symbolic conduit through which people vicariously connect with the government and with the country.

In other words, electing an Igbo person as president is first of all an end in itself before it’s a means to an end. Reversing mass resentment in a large segment of the national population through electing a president from there—like we did in 1999—is worthwhile, especially for a country that loves to say its unity and continuity are sacrosanct articles of faith.

Nonetheless, I am not suggesting that the reluctance to trust an Igbo person to be president because of the lingering memories of the Civil War are entirely misplaced. It took even the United States several decades before it elected a southerner as president after the region attempted to secede from the Union in the 1860s. Today, the American south is the most visibly “patriotic” region of the country.

Similarly, the imperative to elect an Igbo person as president doesn’t mean the rest of the country shouldn’t closely scrutinize the records of service, openness, and cosmopolitanism from the region’s contestants for president—like they should from other regions.

Of the people who have so far declared interest to run for president from the region, only two, in my opinion, are worth our time.

The first, for me, is Kingsley Moghalu. In a March 31, 2018, column titled “Moghalu, Sowore, and the Diasporan Presidential Challenge,” I wrote this about him: “Although I have no informed opinion on Moghalu’s tenure as CBN’s deputy governor, I have interacted with him since his relocation to the US in the past couple of years. He is, without a doubt, one of the best brains Nigeria has produced. He has an impressive mastery of the political economy of development and has written well-received books and articles on the subject.

“He also strikes me as a cosmopolitan, well-bred person who isn’t beholden to narrow, primordial loyalties, and who understands the complexities of Nigeria and the defining role leadership can and should play in managing national differences. He is energetic, passionate, and brims over with fresh, innovative ideas about governance and inclusive growth.”

The second is Peter Obi. In a March 25, 2022, article titled “Peter Obi: Applying to Be Driver of a Knocked-Out Car,” I mentioned that listening to his speeches has captured my imagination. He appears to have a handle on Nigeria’s problems, and what I’ve read of his record as governor of Anambra State inspires some confidence that he isn’t just a talker. I can’t speak to his cosmopolitanism and commitment to seeing all of Nigeria as his constituency. That’s up to voters to find out.

But I do hope that the “owners of Nigeria,” as we like to call the politically dominant members of the power structure, see merit in making political concessions to the Southeast in the interest of the national unity they routinely profess to cherish.

https://www.facebook.com/1531579738/posts/10227468950579375/?d=n

Do you have the authority to do that Sir? Do you have the authority to amend the constitution Sir?

The way this guy is dishing out quotes these days as though there are specific people he is antagonizing...lol
If he actually has been saying all that has been attributed to him lately, I’ll surmise that he has not mastered politics as we have been made to believe. A reasonable man or woman avoids unnecessary trouble.

Pride comes before a big fall. I hope his armor does not deceive him meanwhile he is standing on a feet of clay �

FarahAideed:
UAE is of no economic importance to us other than we go there to take good pictures and do small shopping....

Exactly what I am saying.
They may have a say in OPEC but the mata never reach that level. If e reach, we go still adjust.

FarahAideed:
The Nigerian Govt has already been cornered by the master stroke of stopping other airlines from airlifting anybody carrying a Nigerian passport... We don't have many cards on out table to sustain such a diplomatic war ..If to say Etisalat was still here it could be better card to use but they have left

I don’t agree. What exactly are we going to do in the UAE that we can’t do without? On the other hand in which other African country are they making the kind of money they are generating in this country?

By all means, we must knock these guys out. These people don use us play too much for this world we dey like this. No price is too much to pay to preserve our dignity.

It is no hidden fact that since independence our leaders have failed us miserably. In contrast with the UAE, we can all see evidently what a purposeful government can achieve in similar timelines. This failure in leadership is not exclusive to Nigeria, it runs throughout black Africa! Together with our history of slavery is the reason Africans, without a doubt are the most disrespected race in the world!


If you have ever had the opportunity to live in other continents, you will understand why it is important that Nigeria comes out top in this row with the UAE. Our country may not be what we all want it to be, but somehow Nigerians are a people of high resource. We just make things happen and no one in this world can deny this. The world is pretending like they don’t know that Nigeria is fast becoming the world’s biggest professional workforce contributor. Everywhere you go, the so called establishment put measures in place to make it very difficult for average Africans to become anything meaningful. Funny thing is you don’t notice this until you aspire to be more than average! It is like we are in a machine that constantly but subtly tries to limit our potential.


Imagine the disrespect from UAE. You have your choice of slots in Nigeria but it’s beneath you to give a local airline meager slots in your country? The fear that Air Peace will create fierce competition is real! And this is just one instance. This is happening in every continent across the world. Africans are being denied opportunities and disrespected. Blacks all over the world will never be accorded the respect they deserve until the leadership in Africa gets it right.


Kudos to the government, I and so many others are rooting for you! This is how you build nationalism! Please if you are a social media influencer, we need to shoot this topic to the number spot! #ProudlyNigeria #GreatPeople #GreatNation

How actual human beings will prefer to frustrate quality candidates in the name of politics but queue behind the likes of Buhari is still a mystery to me.

The struggle against darkness is real. We have a long way to go in this country.

Never knew LAWMA was a private company. Always thought it was a government agency. Kudos

PhiliptheArab:
Niger is a landlocked country

So it depends on getting its imports from transport through its neighbours

As well.as its exports.

And the two routes are the Sahara desert or Nigeria

A railway from our ports to Niger would help with their imports and exports

Plus we get more income for our ports and more jobs for our ports

I get. But what I don't understand is the urgency which other proposed rail lines do not get. Our internal roads are bad due to heavy use for haulage. Some regions are still without rail lines. Yet, you don't see any urgency to solve these issues. And if I may ask, what is the economic sense when compared with solving the internal transport infrastructural deficit that has slowed down our industrialization as a country?

D

What is in this Maradi that is so urgent to link up with? I am confused

Only God is our refuge and fortress. This could have happened to anyone! How do prevent this kind of evil from happening?
You see the heart of man? It is truly desperately wicked as it is written

Looks like the media war has started.

As usual it will fes be subtle and indirect before e go turn face me I face you

Gehn gehn

If you have peace in your heart, you don't know what you have until you lose it.

A wise man avoids unnecessary trouble.

It easy to spot people of substance wherever they are found. Through their action and inaction you see they have something to offer. Prof. Zulum may your fountain of wisdom never dry.

I am yet to understand the main reason behind the visits this dude is getting from his fellow politicians since his release.

Here is a man who laid the foundation for the mismanagement of the common wealth of Abia state and somehow managed to escape justice, he is still the same person talking about forgiving people who wronged him; Judge and all He even had to mention the guys father, suggesting the judge acted out of line

We have suffered in this country sha. One day, just one day, the chicken will come home to roost. Politicians will understand that we are not fools in this country. They will understand that the power they wield is because we approved it so

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simonlee:
This kind thing, just accept the sack and go jejely before they implicate you on top one fraudulent deal you know nothing about. Them no born you put for there, carry your clear conscience japa.
If you like, dey there... them no dey tell person, you go learn your own lesson!

If you don't have anything reasonable to say why not just shut up

Corruption will always fight back and that is an awareness anyone remotely interested in salvaging this country should know. I commend you Mr. Ibrahim where ever you may be. Know that there are many who root for you and send you thoughts of courage and fortitude as you stand for what you believe in.

N

superlanny:
this Paul is so immature and the only version of the story I believe is Peter's version, it's no new story that Igbos don't tolerate yorubas and yet yourbas tolerates everyone, Paul should just grow up and accept Lola has come to stay in the family forever, meanwhile peter is a real man.

smh...all these closet ethnic jingoists. Did you consider that there are many other successful inter marriages and relationships between these two tribes?

Just what kind of country is this?

Rubbish talk...next!

This present administration has on several fronts proved to be a step back from what we used to have.

Just look at this same government house roundabout that was constructed a long time ago by Mbakwe, complete with giant drainage systems and whistling pines. One can easily see that the design was well thought out in line with peculiar weather and environmental conditions of the Southeast.

But Rochas came and in his wisdom, closed up ALL the giant drainage systems and fell all the trees, replacing them with tiny gutters that channel floods to no where and inconsequential road pillars.

I don't know if we are cursed in this part of the world. Making progress seems so unattainable even when we have several templates to borrow ideas from.

This is an unfortunate situation we have found ourselves in

Its certainly a result of gas flaring. I noticed it around Woji a while after the Eleme refinery was rehabilitated. I just hope it produces enough product that justifies this destruction of our environment and certainly health as consolation. Nothing is worth giving up the wholesomeness of our environment and health for, both can never be bought!

MrCyril:
TROUBLE IN PORTHARCOURT CITY!!

Please, all PHC resident:
Have you all noticed
that thick black soothes are all over Portharcourt - even inside the homes- the sole of your feet is very black and we inhale quantities everyday.

Early in the morning your cars are all covered with the same thick soothes.

Nobody seem to be saying anything about it.

Please, my people, what is going on? Could it be that a company is messing up the environment so massively and threatening our survival and we don't seem to know and care?

I am worried.

Let's push this until it gets to the appropriate quarters for answers and solutions

ABUJA – The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the unconditional release of detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as the Shi’ite sect, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Malami Zeenat, within 45 days.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole made the order while delivering judgment on a fundamental right enforcement suit El-Zakzaky filed against the Federal Government.

Shiite Leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-zakzaky The court held that the continued detention of the applicant without trial amounted to a gross violation of his constitutionally guaranteed rights.

It went ahead and awarded N50m damages against the Federal Government, even as it ordered the construction of a new accommodation for El-Zakzaky’s family in any part of Kaduna State or the Northern region.

The court dismissed FG’s position that the applicant and his wife were under “protective custody”.

Specifically, the Shi’ite leader who has been in detention since December 14, 2015, applied for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, dignity of human person, right to private and family life and private property.

His arrest and detention followed a bloody clash between members of the sect and soldiers attached to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai, at Zaria, Kaduna State.

The suit marked FHC/CS/128/2016, was predicated on sections 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41 and 46 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as on Articles 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12(1) of the African Charter on Human & Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, LFN, 2010.

The court was among other things, prayed to declare that “the detention of the applicant at Abuja by the respondents since December 14, 2015, is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates his fundamental rights to personal liberty as enshrined in section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP A10), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.


By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/breaking-news-court-orders-unconditional-release-detained-shiite-leader-el-zakzaky/

God bless this your submission!!! Can you imagine that! Demolishing a Library to build a Chapel? And we still wonder where our problems lie in this crazy country? Imagine the priority of a so called Governor biko nu!!! Kai, Nigeria!

uncleck:
Op you didn't tell us that state owned library was demolished for this chapel to be built.

sarrki:
Obiano & Rochas are the only working Governors

Working passionately for the progress of their states


From that axis

Fixed!

Days of humble begining!!!

Rochas well done o! Hope you're enjoying the show. I hope even you will soon appreciate the fact that you have left Imo worse in every aspect than it was when she was gifted to you by our own goodwill.

Rubbish!

Captain EzeOnyeAgwalam! Thank you for finally ruining our state for us! Echi di ime, we will be here to witness what it will birth! You cannot sow rubbish and reap champaign...mba nu!

Thats besides the point!

He is raising a legitimate concern about our functioning as a state and you dare reduce it to cheap politics? Common man, common

richidinho:
If na Ambode thread you wont type this, talk true

UzuegbuProsper:
FIRST IMO TUNNEL AND PROPAGANDA SURROUNDING IT

First of all I dont understand your name Asiwaju Ohalete Wisdom.

Second of all, if your job is to defend the indefensible, I pity your situation.

Thirdly, upload the current picture of the private and so called government projects you just uploaded with haste and let those who are not on ground be the judge.

Forthly, if you're a youth, please go through this post: https://www.nairaland.com/3318595/comparing-old-present-government-imo and tell me what you think about your current position

Keep up the fight! We will certainly not allow the wicked have peace until they do the needful!

[quote author=Onyegecha post=48930319]Only those who live outside Imo state will believe these lies. Any one who wants to know the true state of Imo should just visit the state. Choose any part, including Shell camp which houses the government house and you cannot but cry for Imo state. Listen to or believe these e-liars at your peril.
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